How to celebrate Matariki in your workplace
Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea (The eyes of the god Tāwhirimātea) or Matariki as it has been shortened to will be celebrated on 24 June 2022 for the first time in NZ’s history. While some may see it has just another public holiday, for our NZ heritage it is more significant.
Matariki is the Māori name for a cluster of stars that rise in mid winter and for many Māori signifies the start of a new year.
It is a time to acknowledge those who have passed and to release their spirts to become stars. It is also a time to reflect on the year gone, to be thankful for the harvest and to come together as whānau to share in the food.
Below are some ideas as to how you can celebrate Matariki with your team.
1. Melting pot of food and cultures
Get together as a team over a shared lunch. Encourage everyone to bring a plate from a chosen culture to share together.
2. Re connect
With people still adjusting to returning to the office, this is a perfect time to re-connect. Organise a whole team event (such as a morning tea) and reconnect with team mates you may not have seen for some time.
3. Think ahead
Ask your team to write down their aspirations for the year ahead as part of their Personal Development Plan.
4. Celebrate
Have your team share on a team board (physical in the office or online like Trello) a goal for the year ahead. Review the board to see how its tracking and celebrate as a team once achieved.
5. Light a candle
Give everyone in your team a candle to remember a lost one and honour their memory. Or to reflect on the past year.
6. Look up at the stars!
Get outside (if it ever stops raining!) and enjoy a clear night to see the beauty of Matariki.
Whatever you do remember to take the time to remember the year just gone, celebrate in the present and think about plans for the year ahead.
If you’re wanting further support with preparing your business for the next 12 months, reach out to us at ColourHR!
